Three Blue Ducks has partnered with Sea Forest to introduce sea fed beef to its menu. The pioneering grass-fed Black Angus beef reduces emissions by up to 67 per cent.
The beef industry is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, the livestock industry contributes around 10 per cent of Australia’s total greenhouse gases, two thirds of which comes from cattle.
Sea Forest invented SeaFeed, a natural seaweed supplement created from Australian red seaweed Asparagopsis, as a response to the problem. When cattle feed includes the supplement, research has shown it significantly reduces methane emissions.
The product also generates more cattle feed using fewer resources.
In a world first, Three Blue Ducks has added sea fed beef to its Byron Bay and Roseberry menus.
“At Three Blue Ducks, we believe that amazing food can be good for the planet, which is why we’re so excited to serve the world’s first low-emissions steak,” said Three Blue Ducks Co-Founder Darren Robertson.
“We’re not just offering our diners a quality product, we’re also helping tackle the climate crisis by reducing the methane emissions from cattle. It’s a true win for everyone – from the farmers, to the environment, and to our customers who can enjoy their steak with a clearer conscience.”
Sam Elsom and Stephen Turner founded Sea Forest in 2018 with the goal of replicating the bioactives in Australian seaweed Asparagopsis to reduce cattle emissions.
“Sea fed beef is huge for the global food industry,” said Sea Forest CEO Sam Elsom.
“Not only does it deliver the quality and flavour that steak lovers crave, but it also represents a crucial step toward more sustainable, responsible farming practices. We’re proud to see our innovation having a positive impact, both on the environment and on the dining experience in Australia and hopefully globally.”
The Australian Government has invested $29 million into reducing methane emissions in livestock through the Methane Emissions Reduction in Livestock (MERiL) program.
August 2024 results from the investment showed that feed additives bromoform from Asparagopsis and 3-NOP reduced methane by 66-98 per cent and 88 per cent in cattle and sheep respectively. Results depended on dose, and frequency of intake.
The feed additives Polygain, Agolin, and probiotics reduced methane emissions by 34 per cent, 15 per cent, and 10 per cent, respectively.
Sea Forest is the first company in the world to establish a commercial-scale, marine and land-based Asparagopsis operation. It has achieved this milestone with the assistance of private investment, government grants, and collaborations with tertiary institutions including the University of Tasmania.
